Lando's Profile
Outside Lands food favorites?
Call me plain, but sipping on a beer and eating Hog Island Oysters did it for me.
-Lando
SpotsForDates.com
Monterey [Split and moved from the S.F. board]
Three recommendations for you when you’re in Monterey – Max’s Grill, Vivolo's Chowder House (both in the Pacific Grove Area), and Tarpy’s Roadhouse (near the Monterey Airport). If I had to only pick one, I’d visit Tarpy’s.
I recently had lunch at Tarpy’s and ordered the Braised Pork Shank. It had the flavors of BBQ sauce infused within the meat. I was more impressed by how succulent and tender it was. Also, the restaurant setting is in an old ranch house which adds to the “old American” atmosphere. It might be worth checking out.
http://www.tarpys.com/
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Sichuan Peppercorns at 99 Ranch
If you're willing to make the drive out to Menlo Park, Penzeys Spices has Schezuan Pepper.
Places for lunch around Milpitas
I second Banana Leaf for that area. I haven't experienced how fast they can fire orders for lunch, but the food there is delicious. I enjoy their curries a lot.
Poleng Lounge - What Should I Order?
We ordered the sizzling sisig at Poleng last Saturday and thought it was one of the best dishes on the menu. Opt to have them add liver, egg, and chicharon for the full "original" sisig experience. It was full combination of pork face and pork shoulder which brought out a balance of chewy and crisp together.
Best pork sisig?
Although it’s not a definitive list, here is my report on the search for some of the best sisig in the Bay Area. A group of friends and I made our way around several restaurants trying sisig dishes. I can honestly say they were all good. Each sisig had characteristics that stood out.
Our visit included:
Gerry’s Grill (Union City)
Patio Filipino (San Bruno)
Tribu (San Bruno)
House of Sisig (Daly City)
Poleng Lounge (San Francisco)
If you want to see photos and read about our trip, check out our link - http://www.spotsfordates.com/06/2009/updates/24-24-24-search-for-the-best-bay-area-sisig-search
What to eat at Great American Music and Food festival at Shoreline Sat?
Heads up for those who attended the event. CHECK YOUR BANK STATEMENTS. I got into the event at Noon and went straight to put money into the failed electronic bracelets using my Debit card. Without buying anything and later finding out they are resorting to cash, I never ended up using the bracelet. I get home and find a $75 charge on my Debit card from the event. Dumb luck and I’m handling the problem with my bank now.
But, besides that and the epic lines, the food was good. I have a photo recap for those who want to see what went on here:
http://www.spotsfordates.com/06/2009/updates/the-great-american-food-music-festival-photo-recap
Any DAT (Dine About Town) Reports?
For DAT, we checked out Luce for lunch. The description about Dominique Crenn drew me in and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. For going with the $21.95 DAT menu you are saving around $10-20. Most of the main courses have a price range of about $14-$22.
Our main courses were a seared Ahi Tuna and "Vietnamese Sandwich". I was impressed at chef Dominique's take on the Bahn Mi sandwich, which was on the menu at the time. Tender and pork belly marinated in sweet flavors inside perfectly baked bread. The Ahi Tuna dish too was delicious.
I don't do too many sweets, but I was impressed by the desserts - a wild berry parfait and catalana was served. All featuring rich and creamy textures beneath their toppings.
I took plenty of photos for those who are interested to see all of the courses and Luce's interior:
http://www.spotsfordates.com/06/2009/restaurants/sanfrancisco-ca-luce
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Luce - InterContinental San Francisco Hotel
888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Filipino food?
I'd recommend checking out Patio Filipino in San Bruno. You can check out the pictures I took during my last visit here:
http://www.spotsfordates.com/10/2008/restaurants/sanbruno-ca-patio-filipino
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Patio Filipino
1770 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
Casual Restaurant in Yountville
Like others on this thread, I'd say check out Ad Hoc. The spot gives you a relaxed vibe. My last trip here was on Valentine's Day and it was amazing. The food and service was excellent. Like Cyberroo said, you won't know what is on the menu until the day of service, but it adds to the feeling of excitement and mystery. Here are some pictures that I've taken at Ad Hoc:
http://www.spotsfordates.com/02/2009/restaurants/a-trip-to-thomas-kellers-ad-hoc
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Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
Napa Valley - three great dinners?
I had a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner at Ad Hoc in Yountville. The meal was very delicious and service was on point. The servers at Ad Hoc take their time and explain your dish in detail when they serve you. I thought it was a great addition to the experience. Here are the photos of my last visit:
http://www.spotsfordates.com/02/2009/restaurants/a-trip-to-thomas-kellers-ad-hoc
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Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St., Yountville, CA 94599
Bourdain and the Bacon Maple Latte at Pirate Cat
I believe so. There was a topic about it on here. By the looks of Bourdain's site on Travel Channel, his trip to Vietnam was the last episode of the season.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Filipino food - best around the bay?
I'm still thinking about checking Intramuros out. The way that the dining room is set up creates a fancier ambiance than Patio Filipino. How would you compare Patio Filipino's food to Intramuros? I might have missed your opinion on it in this thread.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Filipino food - best around the bay?
I'd recommend Patio Filipino, but it seems that everyone has been having mixed feelings about the service. Despite that, I found the food to be very delicious. The tofu and pork sisig dishes, crispy binagoongan, and bistek tagalog are our favorites here.
Has anyone tried out Intramuros yet?
http://www.theintramuros.com/
I've been to their bar/club/lounge, but have not tried their food at the restaurant.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Cupertino - suggestions please?
I'm not sure how far Gochi is from your hotel, but it's a spot worth checking out. They specialize in Japanese fusion with focusing on tapas.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
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Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas
19980 Homestead Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Best breakfast place in Fremont?
I think Cabrillo Park is a great breakfast spot. The last time I ate there I had the egg benedict just like Adrienne. The twist of having polenta instead of an English muffin was a good change on a classic. The service here is very prompt.
At other times, you can find me eating at The Country Way. The Country Way offers more traditional diner food with big servings. The quality often varries. I ordered a Beef Melt that made me rave about this place over and over... The second time I had it, I was left disappointed.
Overall, I like Cabrillo Park better because of the twist they add to American classics.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Penzeys! [Moved from SF]
I don't think we carry the tomato powder in our store. I checked the catalog too and it's not there. How long ago did you order it?
- Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Looking for lah mien master "Hand Pulled Noodles"
Just like Tanspace said, QQ Noodle in Fremont has them. I've dined there and yes, they have them.
- Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Pork blood anyone?
We usually buy pork blood at Ranch 99 or at a Filipino Supermarket like Island Pacific or Seafood City. I think Ranch 99 has more locations:
http://www.99ranch.com/StoreLocator.asp?Store=All
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
casual italian with teens
For casual, North Beach's Sotto Mare might just do it. They serve fresh seafood specials in a very relaxed atmosphere. You'll be surprised to see all the things up on the walls. $1.50 oysters too. As for the 6 people, I think they can accommodate that - their tables do usually seat 4.
Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
China Chili Restaurant Fremont
China Chili is a local spot that I pick over all of the Chinese restaurants in the area. A local newspaper has regarded them as the best Chinese restaurant in the area for over 8 years in a row. I'd say they have good quality food. One of my favorites there are the beef and scallops dish.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Good resturant/s between Sunnyvale & Hayward
For Fremont, I can recommend Nouvelle Bistro. They serve Asian Fusion cuisine. It's close enough to Hayward. Very flavorful food.
My favorites there are the porcini mushroom soup and beef satay appetizers. The main dishes are good too with changing specials.
Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
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Nouvelle Bistro
43543 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539
Hawaiian Inspired Flavors at Kula Ranch in Marina, CA
Kula Ranch has added another dining option for foodies in Marina. This spot is similar to Hula's in Monterey with their Hawaiian influenced cuisine. We ate here yesterday for dinner and I was pleasantly surprised. The order of a 10oz prime rib was delicious. Very juicy. Also, the order of Macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi with a coconut curry sauce really impressed me. The fish was moist with the sauce providing a kick in your mouth flavor of goodness. On a side note, the sweet potato fries here were much better than Hula's. Has anyone else had a chance to dine here?
I do remember AJ Spurs being in this location prior to the new change.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Monterey Bay Eats...HELP! [moved from SF Bay board]
It may be off the map from where you are, but The Monterey Fish House gets my vote. Its a small restaurant, but the quality is there.
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Monterey Fish House
2114 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Suggestions for Lunch near Great Mall?
Hey Bolt,
I second Banana Leaf as a spot to visit. They offer a great selection of Thai and Malay dishes that are very tasty. I find it to be one of the better places to go in that area, plus its not too far off from the Great Mall. The atmosphere, it meets your requirements for a white table cloth restaurant. The time you posted will be great too because it doesn't get busy until dinner time. I've ate here many times and was never let down.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Your favorite food spots in San Diego?
Theres plenty of recommendations. Good looking out guys. We're trying to pick out the best spots from the lists. Buon Appetito is going to be on the to go list.
We Yelped Neighborhood for Hamburgers and it ended up being ok. We already started the food search. We're going to do more.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
San Jose Flea Market
Funny thing is that when I usually go to the SJ Flea Market just to grub of food the whole day. It's the only form of shopping I do there. The bad part is when SJ gets too hot that it makes it uncomfortable to walk around the whole day.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Cheez Whiz Cheesesteaks?
I read through this topic and saw that The Cheese Steak Shop came up a lot. Hands down, it's my favorite spot for steaks. I usually go to the branch in Castro Valley. As for the Cheez Whiz, I watched Travel Channel and saw that Pat's and Geno's use it.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Trip to Napa/Yountville Worth it?
I'm a big foodie just like everyone on here. As for wine, I can enjoy it at home, but have very limited knowledge on pairing or which wines compliment which dishes. Theres a lot of raving about Napa and Yountville on Chowhound and it's made me think that I should pay a visit out there. I feel that learning about wine is a long process, but will a trip there give me a little more knowledge about wines? Plus I do want to eat a good meal there too. I've heard Bouchon was a place worth visiting. Thanks!
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
Hot Date with a $100 Bill (Palo Alto or SF)
I'd recommend Nola's in Palo Alto. Fun environment with a New Orleans vibe. Inside you'll be seated upstairs in with a semi-open roof. Great for warm nights. They offer both seafood and have a pretty tasty skirt steak.
-Lando
www.SpotsForDates.com
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Nola's Restaurant & Bar
535 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
